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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Aptos

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10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Sevy's Bar + Kitchen restaurant
1. Sevy's Bar + Kitchen
4.1
Excellent(190)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Aptos
Booked 4 times today
Sevy's Bar + Kitchen in Aptos, California, epitomizes the essence of farm-to-table dining with its fresh, California cuisine. Nestled in the scenic Seacliff Inn, this establishment not only boasts a tranquil patio setting but also excels in delivering authentic and quality dishes sourced from local farms. Diners rave about the variety and freshness of meals, with one guest describing the experience as having "a huge variety of delicious dishes" during a special Mother's Day brunch. The commitment to local sourcing is apparent, enhancing each dish's flavor and quality. Sevy's is a gem for those seeking an authentic farm-to-table experience, complemented by exceptional service and a vibrant ambiance.
A photo of The View, a Treeside Restaurant restaurant
2. The View, a Treeside Restaurant
4.2
Awesome(1159)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Cruz
Booked 17 times today
At The View, a Treeside Restaurant in Santa Cruz, the grill cuisine shines against the backdrop of stunning Monterey Bay views. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of their grilled dishes, with one guest noting, "My steak was cooked to perfection," highlighting the skillful preparation that enhances every flavorful bite. Another diner celebrated the "best preparation of calamari I’ve ever had," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to excellence in both seafood and traditional grill offerings. With its commitment to using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, The View ensures each dish served is not only delightful but also responsible. A must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier grill experience where the food and the views compete for your attention.
A photo of Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar restaurant
3. Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2031)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Soquel
Booked 38 times today
Cafe Cruz Rosticceria & Bar in Soquel is a beacon for seafood lovers, renowned for its quality and authenticity. The restaurant's nightly sustainable seafood specials, praised in reviews as "consistently delicious," highlight the fresh, local ingredients. Guests rave about the "delicious plate of grilled swordfish with gnocchi" and the "salad nicoise with a generous serving of seared ahi tuna," emphasizing the skillful preparation and innovative presentation. With a lively local atmosphere and an open kitchen where diners can witness the culinary "magic," Cafe Cruz offers a seafood dining experience that is both engaging and delectable, making it a must-visit destination for any seafood aficionado.
A photo of Paradise Beach Grille restaurant
4. Paradise Beach Grille
4.2
Awesome(39)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Capitola
Booked 14 times today
Paradise Beach Grille in Capitola is a dessert lover’s dream, perfectly pairing its stunning Monterey Bay views with equally spectacular sweet treats. Known for their signature dessert, the Beach Blanket Breadalon, this restaurant has become a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. One visitor exclaimed, "The best thing at this restaurant is the Beach Blanket Breadalon! Always order it!!" The high praise extends beyond just the food; the warm, attentive service complements the delicious desserts, making each dining experience truly memorable. Whether you’re there to catch a sunset or enjoy a cozy dinner by the outdoor fireplace, Paradise Beach Grille promises a dessert experience that’s as delightful as the scenery.
A photo of Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
5. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
4.7
Exceptional(1958)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Cruz
Booked 19 times today
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge in Santa Cruz is a gem for authentic Californian cuisine, offering a perfect blend of quality, flavor, and ambiance that showcases the best of coastal California. With its "wonderful dinner experience" and "delicious food," this restaurant stands out for both locals and visitors. The menu features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, with dishes like the praised "whole fish entry" and "creamy polenta" that leave guests raving about their meals. The stunning ocean views add an extra layer of delight, enhancing the dining experience. As one review puts it, the food is "fresh, delicious, and well-prepared/presented," making Jack O'Neill not just a meal but an event worth returning to. Whether it's for a memorable lunch by the ocean or a dinner at sunset, this spot is celebrated for making each visit special with its impeccable service and unmatched locale.
A photo of Alderwood Santa Cruz restaurant
6. Alderwood Santa Cruz
4.6
Exceptional(643)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Cruz
Booked 4 times today
Alderwood, under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef Mikey Adams, is dedicated to providing a dining experience that strikes a delicate balance between the comfort and warmth of home and the vibrancy of the downtown dining scene. Our mission is to offer our guests an exceptional and memorable meal that is deeply rooted in our commitment to fostering a genuine connection between our open kitchen and the local community. We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the essence of togetherness and exceptional cuisine.
A photo of Oswald restaurant
7. Oswald
4.6
Exceptional(1613)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Cruz
Booked 3 times today
Oswald is a contemporary American restaurant and bar that focuses on the abundance of delicious ingredients found on the central coast of California. Oswald features an eclectic, international wine list and an exciting, seasonal bar program. While the decor is spare and modern, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Oswald features new art shows every two months. We do have first come tables available in the lounge as well as bar seats.Come by and see if there is a table or seat for you.
A photo of Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside restaurant
8. Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside
4.5
Awesome(616)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Cruz
Booked 15 times today
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen in Santa Cruz is celebrated for its exemplary distillery cuisine, offering a unique dining experience right beside where their spirits are crafted. Patrons rave about the quality of both the food and drinks, with reviews highlighting "top notch" cocktails and "amazing" handcrafted spirits that showcase the venue's commitment to quality and authenticity. The restaurant's atmosphere, described as perfect for any occasion, complements its menu, making it a go-to spot in the Westside neighborhood. The commitment to excellence is evident, as one diner exclaimed, "if there wasn't so many people within watching distance, our group would have licked the plate clean just to get every last flavor crystal." This seamless blend of fine spirits and culinary expertise ensures a memorable dining experience at Venus Spirits.
A photo of Oblò restaurant
9. Oblò
4.6
Exceptional(51)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Cruz
Booked 6 times today
At Oblò in Santa Cruz, the fusion of modern Italian cuisine with Californian flair creates an unparalleled dining experience. Chef Andrea's innovative menu complements perfectly with unique craft cocktails designed by Bar Manager Keith Fox, making every meal a delightful surprise. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with reviews highlighting the "exceptional service and delicious food," from the Brussels sprouts to the perfectly cooked salmon and the decadent chocolate bomb. The ambiance of Oblò is described as "warm and inviting," ideal for enjoying standout Italian dishes with a twist. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Oblò's commitment to excellence and inventive culinary creations make it a must-visit destination in Santa Cruz.
A photo of Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club restaurant
10. Hollins House - Pasatiempo Golf Club
4.6
Exceptional(474)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Cruz
Dear guests,The Hollins House is open for dinner service on Thursday evenings from 4 - 8pm. We are accepting online reservations through OpenTable for groups of 6 or less. If you would like to make a reservation for 7 or more guests, please call (831) 459-9177. If you would like to make a reservation for our other Pasatiempo restaurant, MacKenzie Bar & Grill, please call (831) 459-9162. MacKenzie Bar & Grill is open everyday from 8:30am - 7pm. In 2020 Pasatiempo, Inc. decided to close the Hollins House restaurant to focus on weddings and special events. This was a hard decision to make as we know how much our members, clients, and community enjoy dining at the Hollins House. For now we are offering Thursday night dining only. Hope to see you there!

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Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Aptos

Discover the essence of contemporary American cuisine in the scenic Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos region, where the dining scene thrives on innovation and local flavors. Restaurants in this area masterfully blend traditional American dishes with modern culinary techniques, offering a unique dining experience that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. The focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients ensures that each meal not only supports the local economy but also provides diners with high-quality, flavorful dishes. The atmosphere in these establishments ranges from casual and cozy to sophisticated and upscale, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a special celebration. Patrons can expect excellent service, a welcoming ambiance, and a memorable culinary journey that highlights the best of what the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer. This region's commitment to contemporary American dining is evident in its enthusiastic embrace of diverse cooking styles and its dedication to creating exceptional food experiences.

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